12 best murals in Seattle

The recession has been hard on the cityscape, with empty storefronts and dead construction sites littering Seattle. But it’s been a boon for street artists, with more canvas and exhibit space to show off their work.

There’s the fence around the City of Seattle’s blighted downtown hole, once envisioned as a civic square before the economy tanked. And there are the walls around the empty, historic Metropole building in Pioneer Square. Both now bloom with art, both whimsical and bizarre. Sound Transit’s Light Right project in Capitol Hill is another creative showcase that eclipses dust and noise.

2. It takes a confident man to put his face on a 24-foot high wall, but street artist <a href=” http://startwallproject.blogspot.com/2010/08/baso-fibonaccis-untitled_2356.html”>Baso Fibonacci</a> and his crew pulled it off in this surreal Capitol Hill mural. It’s part of Sound Transit’s sidewalk art surrounding its future Light Right station. (seattlepi.com photo). less

2. It takes a confident man to put his face on a 24-foot high wall, but street artist <a href=” http://startwallproject.blogspot.com/2010/08/baso-fibonaccis-untitled_2356.html”>Baso Fibonacci</a> and his ... more

4. Another Henry, near the Ballard Bridge, brings an instant shot of joy. (Doesn't everyone want to hug an enormous tropical bird?) There's also some fun Henrys outside Value Village in Crown Hill. Photo by Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com. less

4. Another Henry, near the Ballard Bridge, brings an instant shot of joy. (Doesn't everyone want to hug an enormous tropical bird?) There's also some fun Henrys outside Value Village in Crown Hill. Photo by ... more

Image 5 of 14

5. You don't need blazing color to have impact. This contemplative 1995 portrait, by James Crespinel, honors Martin Luther King Jr. on the wall of Catfish Corner in the Central District.

5. You don't need blazing color to have impact. This contemplative 1995 portrait, by James Crespinel, honors Martin Luther King Jr. on the wall of Catfish Corner in the Central District.

Photo: KURT SMITH/PI

Image 6 of 14

6. Billy King's mural on a bricked corner on Yesler Way and Western Ave. is a Pioneer Square landmark. (seattlepi.com photo).

6. Billy King's mural on a bricked corner on Yesler Way and Western Ave. is a Pioneer Square landmark. (seattlepi.com photo).

Image 7 of 14

7. Coffee and zoo animals enliven Bridge Way in Fremont, in this 1997 prominent mural by Patrick Gabriel. Vandals have hit it several times, but it's been cleaned up. (Photo by Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com).

7. Coffee and zoo animals enliven Bridge Way in Fremont, in this 1997 prominent mural by Patrick Gabriel. Vandals have hit it several times, but it's been cleaned up. (Photo by Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com).

9. This tableau is part of a vibrant four-paneled set inspired by diversity, labor, music and dance. It lines Seattle Central Community College's woodworking school on 23rd Avenue South. (seattlepi.com photo). less

9. This tableau is part of a vibrant four-paneled set inspired by diversity, labor, music and dance. It lines Seattle Central Community College's woodworking school on 23rd Avenue South. (seattlepi.com ... more

Image 10 of 14

10. The start of an underwater dreamscape perks up the empty Metropole building in Pioneer Square. Artist <a href=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/weirdoculture/emerge-an-ode-to-dedication-0>Jeff Jacobson</a> raised the funds, with hopes for something vibrant. (seattlepi.com photo). less

10. The start of an underwater dreamscape perks up the empty Metropole building in Pioneer Square. Artist <a href=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/weirdoculture/emerge-an-ode-to-dedication-0>Jeff ... more

Image 11 of 14

11. Who needs a wall when you can take it to the street? Street paintings, like this one at 41st Street and Interlake Avenue, are common in Wallingford and Tangletown. (Photo by Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com).

11. Who needs a wall when you can take it to the street? Street paintings, like this one at 41st Street and Interlake Avenue, are common in Wallingford and Tangletown. (Photo by Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com).

Image 12 of 14

12. The grand-daddy of Seattle murals: Paul Horiuchi designed this glass mosaic piece for the 1962 World's Fair at Seattle Center. Photo, taken in April of that year, is from the Seattle Municipal Archives. less

12. The grand-daddy of Seattle murals: Paul Horiuchi designed this glass mosaic piece for the 1962 World's Fair at Seattle Center. Photo, taken in April of that year, is from the Seattle Municipal ... more

Image 13 of 14

This meditative piece in Fremont was a work in progress, so consider this a bonus item of catching the artist, Jonathan Matas, at work. It's outside Lama G's Cafe on North 39th Street. (Photo by Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com). less

This meditative piece in Fremont was a work in progress, so consider this a bonus item of catching the artist, Jonathan Matas, at work. It's outside Lama G's Cafe on North 39th Street. (Photo by Amy ... more